A founder member of Hinckley and District Museum and a champion of the local heritage scene has died at the age of 91.

Arthur Tomlin was an active official and volunteer at the Lower Bond Street centre before his retirement from the board.

The retired farmer turned artist then became the museum’s first honorary president.

Mr Tomlin, who leaves a daughter and two grandchildren, died on Monday. He lived at Corner Farm in Wykin Village for many years before moving to Middlefield Close in Hinckley.

His last years were spent in the Bethel-Bethesda residential home in Earl Shilton.

Daughter Caroline Hebblethwaite who lives on a farm in Elmesthorpe said: “He loved Hinckley and he loved the Hinckley people. He was always on the go he was always doing something.”

Son-in-law David Hebblethwaite paid tribute saying: “His passion was cricket and horses, his dad was a big shire horse breeder and he always loved them.

“He was the last of a generation of family farmers, the last of the old characters. He would stop and talk to anyone, he always had time for people.”

Hugh Beavin, also a founder member of the museum, paid tribute to his former colleague and said: “I certainly admired Arthur for all the work he did in the past in so many capacities. I knew him for a good number of years.

“He made an enormous contribution to the life of this community in terms of his work on the heritage of the town and his interest in local history and of course his writing for The Hinckley Times. He was also an excellent speaker and gave many talks to groups.”

Mr Tomlin was an active correspondent on local history for The Hinckley Times as well as being the subject of numerous news stories himself.

Articles record his achievements in drawing and painting local landmarks such as the Hinckley and District Hospital as well as all 42 churches in south west Leicestershire.

His artistic bent dated back as far as 1935 when he was just 13 years old and his works were on show at the old council offices in Argents Mead before being displayed at the museum.

The museum also contains perhaps one of his most celebrated creations, a large, intricately wrought iron clock made over the course of 18 years to mark the royal births of Prince William and then Prince Harry.

Mr Beavin said: “The clock is a remarkable object, Arthur made everything himself apart from the electric motor.”

Mr Tomlin also famously made wrought iron gates to mark the Queen’s silver jubilee in 1977, installing them at his home.

They were later donated to Redmoor High School where pupils restored them to their former glory after suffering the ravages of time and weather.

During his working years Mr Tomlin was active in the farming community and was chairman of the Hinckley branch of the National Farmers’ Union.

When his wife, known as Rona, was suffering with multiple sclerosis he was active in the local MS Society.

He was also an accomplished showjumper, winner of ploughing competitions and heavily involved with the Bosworth Show.

A funeral service will take place at Nuneaton Crematorium on Monday February 24.